2026 Elections and Senate Control

Rep. Julia Letlow formally launched a U.S. Senate bid in Louisiana after former President Trump publicly urged and endorsed her as a primary challenger to incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy, who says he will remain in the race and is confident of re‑election. The endorsement prompted state Rep. Julie Emerson to exit the GOP primary, drew a $1 million pledge from MAHA PAC (tied to RFK Jr.) to back Letlow, and highlighted intraparty divisions as leaders like John Thune privately back Cassidy while some Senate-aligned super PACs signal neutrality or limited involvement.